Also

* U.S. Steel Corp., the biggest U.S. steel maker, said third-quarter earnings will be at the high end of analysts’ estimate of 43 cents to 75 cents a share.

* AT&T; Corp. awarded Chief Executive-elect David Dorman 1.37 million stock options and gave millions more to other executives to help retain top managers. Dorman’s options, with a strike price of $12.34, would be worth $26.9 million if AT&T; shares rose 10% a year for the next 10 years. Also, the Federal Communications Commission said it was temporarily stopping the informal 180-day merger clock on Comcast Corp.’s proposed acquisition of AT&T; Broadband. It expects to complete the review by Oct. 22.

* Whirlpool Corp. said third-quarter profit would rise more than forecast, a day after rival Maytag Corp. lowered earnings expectations because of sluggish sales. Profit excluding some costs will modestly exceed the $1.57-a-share estimate by analysts.

* Kmart Corp., the financially troubled retailer that is seeking to boost sales among Latinos, can enter a four-year agreement with Mexican singer Thalia to promote a line of clothing and makeup, a Bankruptcy Court judge said.